Gameday: March 25 vs. Dodgers

With Ryan Braun back in the fold and Trot Nixon out, the Brewers begin a two-game homestand today against the Dodgers and Manny Ramirez, who is slated to start as L.A.’s left fielder. Minus the pitcher’s spot, it’s a preview of the Brewers’ Opening Day lineup:

Parra had some back spasms earlier in the week, but he threw a bullpen session on Monday with no troubles. It’s worth keeping an eye on him today to see if he can reach his six-inning, 90-pitch quota.

Manager Ken Macha told us this morning that closer Trevor Hoffman is making progress in his return from a strained oblique muscle, “but it’s still slow.” There is no timetable for Hoffman to resume throwing, and it’s more likely by the day that Hoffman will begin the year on the disabled list. The Brewers can backdate that assignment 10 days from the start of the Major League season, which means Hoffman would miss Milwaukee’s first three games, at minimum.

Veteran infielder Craig Counsell developed some swelling in one of his knees after Monday’s game in Tucson and will not play today. Macha expected Counsell to return to action on Thursday.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.